Americans' Top Issues? Everything Romney Is Talking About

Gallup's latest survey reveals a GOP message geared to exactly what people are most concerned about.

While it sometimes seems as though President Obama is winning the day-to-day messaging war of late -- putting Republican challenger Mitt Romney on the defensive over his tax returns, or sitting back as Romney stumbles on the international stage, upsetting British and Palestinian leaders with remarks deemed insulting -- it's worth noting that Romney's overall message appears to be more in sync with the top concerns of Americans, as measured by a July 19-22 USA Today/Gallup poll.

You can also see from this how Romney's relentless focus on job creation, "crony capitalism," the deficit, and failed solar-energy company Solyndra plays not just to the top concerns of Republicans but to those of all voters, who are not that into environmental issues but care a lot about the deficit and perceived government corruption. You can also see how Obama's focus on raising taxes on the wealthy, while appealing to Democrats, is not nearly as important ground to fight on when it comes to Americans' top concerns.

We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.